Cut speed limit on Redland road to save wildlife, says resident – RCB

A RESIDENT has called for the evening
speed limits on Woodlands Drive to be cut to save wildlife.

Bon Gray said he wanted to highlight
the high number of wildlife deaths on the road which runs from Mount Cotton to
the Cleveland area.

“Most deaths and injuries appear to
be due to excessive speed coupled with a lack of awareness of driving on
country roads,” Dr Gray said.

“Most drivers responsible for these
deaths and injuries are unwilling to meet their responsibilities (like) failing
to check the status of animal or organise treatment.

“Further, there appears to be no plan
by government (local or state) to deal with urban encroachment on previously
rural/natural areas.”

Dr Gray said it was time for a plan
to deal with this issue before the destruction of our wildlife heritage.

“It’s time for a sunset to sunrise
50k/hr speed limit on this road,” Dr Gray said.

Redland City Council spokesperson
said no formal application had been received to change speed limits on the road
and that by itself council was not able to change city speed limits.

“Any change to speed limits has to be
approved by a Speed Review Committee in accordance with state and national
standards and best practice outlined by the Department of Transport and Main
Roads’ Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

“This helps to make sure that speed
limits throughout the state are consistent and credible.

“The Speed Review Committee for
Redland City is made up of traffic engineers from Redland City Council, traffic
engineers and Road Safety Officers from the Department of Transport and Main
Roads and a representative from the Queensland Police Service.”

The spokesperson said speeds were
determined by road geometry, safety, mobility and alignment, road function,
current speeds and volumes, speed environment and accident history.

“In accordance with the Department of
Transport and Main Roads’ MUTCD, presence of wildlife is not a factor
considered when setting speed limits,” the spokesperson said.

Council had fencing, signage and
wildlife community education campaigns in place about driving slowly at night
and being observant.

Residents can have their say on
transport issues including speed limits
at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/draft-redlands-coast-transport-strategy.

A spokesman for Transport Minister
Mark Bailey said Woodlands Drive was a council road, making it an issue for
council.

The issue could be raised at one of
council’s monthly road safety committee meetings, which included police and
departmental representatives